Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Michael D. Smith said, “I think he’ll be tremendously successful here. He’s familiar with the school as an undergraduate and as a PhD student in economics.”

Though his background is in the sciences and social sciences, Garber said that further strengthening Harvard’s humanities and arts curriculum will be a priority.

“I see the humanities as being absolutely central to Harvard’s future,” Garber said.

He said that though Boston’s colder climate will require him to purchase warmer clothing items for his wardrobe, he looks forward to returning to his alma mater and continuing the reorganization of the University’s library system that has been spearheaded by Hyman.

“His service to the academy and to the nation in medical decision-making, science, and policy has been prolific,” Stanford President John L. Hennessy said of Garber in a press release. “I have no doubt he will serve Harvard with the same passion. I congratulate both Alan and Harvard.”

—Staff writer Tara W. Merrigan can be reached at tmerrigan@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Zoe A. Y. Weinberg can be reached at zoe.weinberg@college.harvard.edu.